Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta Rolls Out: Features, Eligible Devices, and How to Join

Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta: Nothing has officially launched the Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta, giving users of select Nothing phones early access to the Android 16-based update. The new OS brings a mix of AI-powered tools, design refinements, camera upgrades, and system optimizations aimed at enhancing performance, customization, and usability. Here’s a comprehensive look at what the beta offers, which devices are eligible, and how to install it safely.

Eligible Devices for Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta

The first wave of the Nothing OS 4.0 beta is available for the following smartphones:

• Nothing Phone (3)
• Nothing Phone (2)
• Nothing Phone (2a)
• Nothing Phone (2a) Plus

Devices such as Nothing Phone (3a) and Phone (3a) Pro are not included in this beta release but are expected to receive the update later in October 2025.

How to Join the Open Beta

Before installing the beta, ensure your device is running the latest stable build:

• Phone (3): Metroid-V3.5-250911-2112
• Phone (2): Pong-V3.2-250917-1451
• Phone (2a): Pacman-V3.2-250904-1648
• Phone (2a) Plus: PacmanPro-V3.2-250904-1704

Steps to install the beta:

1. Download Beta Updates Hub APK from Nothing’s official website.
2. Install the APK and open Settings > System > Nothing Beta Hub.
3. Tap “Join Beta” to register your device.
4. After registration, tap “Go to Update” to start the upgrade.
5. If no update appears, manually check via Settings > System > System updates.
6. Provide feedback on bugs or performance via Settings > System > Feedback or the Nothing Community forum.

Beta software may contain bugs or cause instability. Always back up your data before updating.

Key Features of Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta

1. AI Dashboard and Essential Space (Phone 3 Exclusive)

• Introduces an AI usage dashboard for monitoring large AI model activity.
• Offers transparency for AI-powered apps running on the device.
• Enhances overall system and app management within Essential Space.

2. Performance and Connectivity Improvements

• Improved lock screen and Always-On Display (AOD) performance.
• Optimized brightness behavior for smoother adaptive display.
• Enhanced camera stability for consistent photography results.
• Better Bluetooth connectivity and compatibility.
• Stronger Wi-Fi performance and overall network stability.
• General system stability improvements across all eligible devices.

3. Camera Enhancements

• “Stretch” Camera preset for Phone (2), Phone (2a), and Phone (2a) Plus, developed with professional photographer Jordan Hemingway.
• Improved night mode and AI-driven camera enhancements.
• Faster camera app launch and better overall responsiveness.

4. UI and Multitasking Upgrades

• Extra Dark Mode for enhanced visual comfort (Settings > Display > Dark theme > Extra dark mode).
• Pop-up View multitasking with two floating icons for faster app switching.
• Two additional lock screen clock faces for personalization.
• 2×2 Quick Settings tiles for more efficient access to essential features.

5. Essential Apps and Playground

• Users can now create AI-powered widgets using Essential Apps.
• Widgets can be shared in Playground alongside camera presets and EQ profiles.
• Phone (3): Supports up to six widgets.
• Other devices: Limited to two widgets for performance reasons.

6. System-Level App Optimization

• Optimizes app startup times for faster loading.
• Reduces resource usage while maintaining multitasking performance.
• Improves device responsiveness for daily operations.

Things to Consider Before Installing

• Beta Bugs: Open beta software may have glitches or occasional crashes.
• Frequent Updates: Participants may receive multiple updates as issues are fixed.
• Backup Required: Users are advised to back up all important data.
• Rollback Option: Reverting to the stable version may require a factory reset.

Final Verdict

The Nothing OS 4.0 Open Beta offers a sneak peek into the future of Nothing phones, combining AI-powered tools, performance enhancements, and UI refinements. From camera upgrades to Essential Apps and system optimizations, the update promises a smoother, smarter, and more customizable experience. Early adopters can enjoy the features ahead of the stable release while providing valuable feedback to help improve the OS.